EYC Foundation seeks to support exceptional students that have a passion for the maritime world, a love of life on the water, a respect for the marine environment and a dream of a lifetime career in the industry.
Today’s successful Marine & Maritime Scholarship program was designed to enhance EYCF’s Career Expo mission. Whereas the Expo is about helping students discover the countless possibilities for careers in the industry, the scholarship program is about supporting students that have made their decision and are on their way to making those careers happen.
Originally known as MAST (MArine Skills Training) Scholarships, the program was launched in 2015. That first year, 5 students were each awarded $700 per semester. Eight years later, in 2023 the program grew to 12 students that were initially promised $1000 for the semestser. Thanks to a generous donation from a Friend of the Foundation, EYCF was able to surprise recipients with news that their second semester award doubled to $2000. The generosity has continued and the Foundation has been able to sustain awards at the increased level.
Scholarship recipients that have completed their schooling and certifications are thriving all over the world today.
Nate Gifford
Massachusetts Maritime Academy – Marine Transportation major
During Nate’s junior year internship with Maersk Shipping Company he spent 80 days
living and working aboard a ship as a cadet. He traveled to multiple American ports then crossed the Atlantic Ocean twice visiting the ports of Belgium, The Netherlands, and Germany.
James Ronayne
Cornell University – Environment & Sustainability major
James is studying the invasive Blue Catfish. This spring he and friends targeted the fish in the Chesapeake Bay. They caught hundreds of pounds then made them available to local markets and restaurants. Back at school he is researching the feasibility of using the fish as sustainable lobster and crab bait.
Will Arnone is a Deck Officer traveling the East Coast on a tug boat for Stasinos Marine
Dylan Bender is a Third Mate aboard a National Science Foundation research vessel. In recent months he’s traveled to Chile, French Polynesia and Antarctica
Luke Carter is working in the Design Department at Winter Custom Yachts in North Carolina
Teleri Wilt is a Third Mate working on Roll-on/Roll-off cargo ships all over the world
This newly created scholarship fund honors the life and spirit of Sam Sheeder – a young man who loved the water and embodied resilience, kindness, and adventure. Sam faced challenges in life, yet his determination and heart touched everyone who knew him. His story is an inspiration about overcoming adversity, second chances and how support from others can be life changing.
By supporting this fund, you help turn challenges into opportunities and keep Sam’s legacy alive in the community and on the water.
Sam was the son and stepson of EYC members, Frank and Nancy Sheeder.
Hails from: Sykesville, MD
Maslen is a rising sophomore at Florida Institute of Technology majoring in Ocean Engineering. A graduate of Carroll County Career & Technology Center, his dream career is to work in the emerging field that combines robotics and harnessing the ocean itself as a renewable energy source.
Hails from: Ellicott City, MD
Andrej is a rising senior at Webb Institute studying Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. During a gap year he served in the Coast Guard’s Naval Sea Cadet Program and modernized their icebreaking navigation procedures. After graduation, Andrej plans to join the Navy’s Nuclear Propulsion Program.
Hails from: Edgewater, MD
T.J. is a rising freshman and will major in Marine Transportation. While at South River High School he completed the two-year Marine Service Technology Program and worked part-time at Burr Yacht Sales. His looks forward to a full time career in the marine industry.
Hails from: Sparrows Point, MD
Davison is a rising freshman and will major in Marine Transportation. A Sparrows Point High School grad and aspiring Eagle Scout, Davison has worked recent summers with a fishing charter business and a crab boat. Post graduation he hopes to return to Baltimore and become a harbor ship pilot.
Hails from: Riva, MD
Samuel is a rising freshman and will major in Marine Engineering. He is a graduate of South River High School and the Marine Service Technology Program. Travis volunteered last aboard a World War II Liberty Ship in the engine room learning the ins and outs of the operational steam propulsion plant. He aspires to serve as a Senior Ship Engineering Officer on a merchant ship.
Naval Architecture
Marine Transportation
Marine Biology
Marine Transportation
Environmental Studies
Marine Transportation
Environment, Sustainability, and Marine Biology
The Marine & Maritime Scholarship program is chaired by Mike Morris
Reach him at: MMScholarships@eycfoundation.org
